How to Identify a Domain Registrar

Who is a Registrar?

A domain registrar is an accredited organization authorized to register and manage domain names across various domain zones. Registrars act as intermediaries between domain owners and zone administrators (for example, ICANN for top-level domains). They maintain records of all domain registrations, renew them upon the owner’s request, and offer additional services such as hosting, email solutions, SSL certificates, and other options that simplify using a domain on the internet.

How to Determine the Domain’s Registrar

Knowing which registrar manages a specific domain can be useful in various scenarios. For instance, you might need this information to renew a registration, update contact details, transfer the domain to another registrar, or understand which company provides additional services. There are several ways to find out the registrar’s name:

WHOIS Service

One of the most common tools for identifying a domain’s registrar is the WHOIS service. WHOIS can provide basic domain information, including:

• Registrar name
• Domain registration date
• Domain expiration date
• Owner’s contact details (partially hidden if privacy protection is enabled)

How to Use WHOIS:

1. Go to any available WHOIS service website (for example, who.is).
2. Enter the domain name in the search field.
3. In the results, look for the “Registrar Data” section, then the “Registrar” category.
4. Pay attention to the fields registrar, organization, and URL. These contain the registrar's main details — their name and a link to their website with contact information.

ICANN LOOKUP

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) is the organization responsible for coordinating unique identifier systems on the Internet. There is a special ICANN Lookup tool on its website that allows you to get official information about a domain. It is available at lookup.icann.org.

How to Use ICANN Lookup:

1. Visit lookup.icann.org.
2. Enter the domain name in the search field.
3. In the results, go to the “Registrar Information” section.
4. Check the fields: name and URL. These contain the main details about the registrar — their name and a link to their website with contact details.

ICANN Lookup is considered a reliable source since the data is taken directly from ICANN’s centralized database.

Checking Your Email for Domain Registration or Transfer Notifications

If you own the domain but can’t remember which registrar it was registered with, try checking your email. When you register or renew a domain, the registrar usually sends notifications, invoices, and reminders about the expiration date. These messages often include the company’s name or a link to your account dashboard, where you can sign in and find the information you need.

Conclusion

Identifying a domain’s registrar is straightforward if you know which tools to use. WHOIS and ICANN Lookup provide official data about a domain and its registrar, while reviewing your email may quickly remind you of the company you used for registration or transfer. Understanding who your domain’s registrar is gives you control over the domain and ensures you can manage or renew it promptly.

FAQ

Who is the “main” domain registrar?

There is no single “main” registrar in the sense of a chief executive for all domain registrations. However, ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) coordinates the work of all registrars and sets the rules for domain registration.

Who regulates domains?

Domains are primarily regulated by ICANN. It sets the registration rules, determines which domain zones are allowed, and ensures that registrars comply with these rules.

Where is a domain registered?

Domain registration is conducted electronically on the registrar’s servers. These can be large international companies or smaller local providers. When you choose a registrar, you are essentially selecting the company from which you will rent your domain name.